A Guide to Lenten Intentions

A Guide to Lenten Intentions based on the Biblical Passages related to Ash Wednesday

In.ten.tion (noun) a thing intended; an aim or plan.

The practice of taking up a Lenten intention began around the 4th century. The idea is to prayerfully consider doing something to remind yourself of Christ’s journey to the cross. 

Invitations to spiritual practices may be found through the Scriptures of our faith, both the Old or Hebrew Scriptures, and what we call the New Testament. 

This guide is offered as a means to discern what practice you might take up in this season of Lent. Here you’ll find invitations to practice your faith from the Prophets, Psalmists, and our Lord Jesus Christ. These are the Biblical passages related to Ash Wednesday from the Revised Common Lectionary. 

You may use this guide as you wish. Perhaps you will feel drawn to to try a specific practice for the entire six weeks of Lent. Or you may vary your intention each week. It’s up to you and the Lord to decide together.   


Lenten Practices of Fasting 
~ Read Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 and Matthew 6:16-21 
As you journey with Jesus during Lent, what fast might you adopt?  
Consider: a social media fast | a food related fast | a fast from accumulation | a fast from regret | a fast from stinginess 

Lenten Practices of Sharing 
~ Read Isaiah 58:1-12 and 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10
As you journey with Jesus during Lent, what sharing might you adopt? Consider: sharing your wisdom by mentoring someone younger in faith | share recognition of spiritual gifts you see in others | share the peace of Christ  

Lenten Practices of Giving and Collecting 
~ Read Psalm 51:1-17 and Matthew 6:1-6  
As you journey with Jesus during Lent, what might you give or collect? 
Consider: collecting words of Scripture for meditation | store up verses of Scripture to memory | not collecting praise | not storing resentment

A blessing for the season of Lent 
As you journey with Jesus during Lent, may you walk in faith. 
And may your intention guide you to rest in God’s enduring love.  
This day, and always, Amen.
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